This is the debut release of Finnish juggernauts HIMMELKRAFT. Born in a bit of secrecy since March of 2024, nothing was of note since then but they finally released their first album after a few tidbits here and there. You got a few singles that were released beforehand but it felt very new to the masses in a sense. I just discovered them a few weeks back, just saw the name and the genre and I wanted to give it a whirl without knowing anything about the band. Well, when I first listened to this album, the vocalist reminded me a lot of a voice I had heard before but couldn't put my finger on it until now, well, until a few songs on this opus. It is Tony Kakko, known worldwide for being the frontman of legendary Power Metal outfit, SONATA ARCTICA. He changed his vocal range for this project because it took me quite a while to realize it was him. I was not expecting another project from after last year's (or the year before that) new SONATA ARCTICA album but low and behold, here it is. It's funny sometimes when you have a vocalist out of his element, you do not recognize at first (Like 7th GUILD and RHAPSODY OF FIRE or TWILIGHT FORCE and TRICK OR TREAT). Maybe when you get used to his style in a band, it's a challenge to grasp the guy can do anything he damn well pleases!

Do not expect the pagentry and grandeur of what he was doing with SONATA ARCTICA. Yet there is obviously something for everyone and an unexpected quality at times therefore. "Himmelkraft" is a concept album that tells the story of an eponymous underground city, created to escape the threat of a nuclear third world war. It may or may not be in the future with how the world is going but going the concept album route is a tricky thing but he holds his own. The album opens with "The Pages of History (Opening)," a brief but evocative introduction that sets the mood for the work. This is followed by "Full Steam Ahead," an energetic track featuring the whistle of a steam locomotive, symbolizing departure into the unknown. From one day to another in this city, they face the unknown yet march along and try to survive through the trials and tribulations of the ongoing war. Tracks like "Uranium" and "Paika" illustrate Kakko's ability to compose catchy melodies while exploring dark themes. These are the songs that remind us more of his previous band , so for the longtime fans, this will appeal to you guys.

"Fat American Lies" surprises with its big band feel, it does feel very cinematic but I didn't care much more for it honestly even though it has that surprising element while "When the Music Stops" and "I Was Made to Rain on Your Parade" reveal a more introspective and melancholic side of the artist. I am impressed with the various styles of music and direction on this album even though not everything is up to snuff. The album's production is impeccable, with each instrument clearly showcased. The orchestral arrangements add a cinematic dimension to the compositions, reinforcing the immersion in the world of "Himmelkraft." The choice to depart from the typical SONATA ARCTICA style demonstrates Tony Kakko's desire to explore new musical horizons, resulting in a work that is both bold and personal. With "Himmelkraft," Tony Kakko succeeds in delivering a rich and diverse conceptual album that will appeal to both longtime fans and new listeners.